Equally Yoked - God's Perfect Plan

This is an article by Jayna Richardson, from http://www.familylife.com/.  Enjoy!

When Kim became a Christian as a young teenager, her life changed dramatically. However, her faith was put to a difficult test when she fell in love with a non-Christian some years later. Joseph was handsome, adventurous, engaging, and intelligent. But he had no interest in following Jesus.
As the relationship became more and more serious, Kim was faced with the most difficult decision of her life. Should she ignore the Holy Spirit’s nudging to break off her relationship with Joseph? Or should she obey and break her own heart in the process?  Kim made the right decision. She broke up with Joseph and left for college in tears. She’d never felt so lonely. But she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she’d done the right thing.

This is a fairly common scenario—A Christian dates a non-Christian. They fall in love. The Christian must make a choice: go through the pain of a breakup, or be “unequally yoked” with an unbeliever. Unfortunately, many choose the latter—and later regret it.  The Bible warns against being unequally yoked in 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” (NIV). Because the phrase “unequally yoked” can be a bit difficult to understand, I like to read this verse from The Message, a paraphrase of the Bible. These verses read, “Don't become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That's not partnership; that's war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil?”

God gives us this command for our own protection and joy. He knows that we can’t have the best possible marriage if we have different beliefs, values, and priorities from our spouse. And even though obedience to God can be difficult, especially in a situation like this, it’s always worth it.  Some Christians may find themselves saying, “But this person will change.” Maybe so. God has the power to change someone, and we should never give up on praying for those we care about. But the verse in 2 Corinthians doesn’t say, “Do not be unequally yoked … unless you think the person will change.” It says, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers” (emphasis added).  Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 7:16 says, “How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?” It’s our responsibility as followers of Christ to be obedient to God’s command and to trust Him for the best possible plan for our lives, even if that means our lives will go in a new direction.

This issue was even a concern in the Old Testament. When God was leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, He gave them strong commands about how they should deal with the pagan nations. Deuteronomy 7:3-6 says:  Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your sons away from following me to serve other gods, and the LORD's anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you. This is what you are to do to them: Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones, cut down their Asherah poles and burn their idols in the fire. For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.  If you are a follower of Christ, you are a chosen child of God. He doesn’t want you to settle for less than His very best.

After breaking up with Joseph and leaving for college, Kim couldn’t imagine herself ever feeling happy again. But on the first day of class, she noticed a young man sitting alone in the student center reading his Bible. His name was Paul, and a few years later, he and Kim were married.
Kim recognizes now that the temporary heartache she went through was nothing compared to the lifetime of regret she avoided by being obedient to God. What began as one of the hardest decisions of her life turned out to be one of the best—which is so often the case when we follow God’s perfect plan.

Not everyone who makes the tough decision to break off an unhealthy dating relationship will find “the one” as quickly as Kim did. God’s plan is different for every one of his children. But his plan can always be trusted—it’s always good.

Wanting God's best for you,
Amberly

Never Fail Fall Accessories

Welcome to Fashion Friday!  Though trends change from season to season, some classic looks never go out of style.  Here are some ways to add some staples to your fall wardrobe.  You can't go wrong with these classic accessories.

First:  Scarves and Wraps

Photo courtesy of About.com

Start with a cute scarf in a neutral color, such as black, gray or brown.  If you are a little more adventurous, get one in a bright color!  Old Navy has some adorable brightly colored scarves right now.  Scarves add style to simple long-sleeve tees and also go a long way in keeping you warm.  Its great when cute accessories are also sensible!

Second:  Knee-High Boots

Photo courtesy of Zappos.com

Year to year, different types of boots become popular, but knee-high leather boots are here to stay.  Select a flat or low-heeled boot with a slightly rounded or square toe.  If you're going to splurge on boots, make sure you get a great pair of classic boots because you'll be able to wear them year in and year out.

Third:  Patent Leather Handbags

Photo courtesy of About.com

Glossy patent leather bags in deep colors such as burgundy, plum and forest green are the trend this fall.  You can also liven things up with a croc-embossed leather.  If you are looking for an inexpensive way to add color to your fall wardrobe, your handbag is a great way to do it!

Fourth:  Suede Pumps

Photo courtesy of About.com

Every woman should have a pair of suede pumps in her closet!  This admission from a shoe lover is shocking I know!  Black is your safest bet, but dark brown, gray and burgundy also work well for fall.

Finally:  Velvet Jackets

Photo courtesy of Gastrochic.com

Though fabric trends differ year to year, velvet is always chic in the fall and winter months.  A velvet jacket is a classic piece that can be worn casually or for more formal affairs.  You can also select velvet shoes from ballet flats to high heels.  Rich velvet clutches are also wonderful for fall evening wear.  This mustard jacket may be a little loud for your taste, but black, gray and chocolate brown look just as great.

So there you have it...great fall fashion accessories that will never go out of style and can be used every year!

Happy fall everyone!
Amberly

Lady of Worship

First off, I missed ya'll so much last week!!  I'm so glad to be back from vacation.  It was awesome to come back to such a sweet, worshipful spirit in our church service Sunday night.  I recently read Facedown Worship by Matt Redman.  He wrote "Who can fathom the depths of the God we worship?  Who can describe His unapproachable light?  Who can predict His wonderful ways?  Who can measure the depths of His love?  Who can sound the depths of glory?  Every single song falls short.  No poetry says it well enough.  No melody expresses it beautifully enough."

While we can never fully comprehend the awesomeness of God, we can at least attempt to grasp that the Lord is holy, He is majestic, He is righteous, He is all powerful, He is magnificent, He is faithful, He is our strength, He is our protector, He is our peace, He is our joy, He is our healer and He is all the hope that we have in this world! 

I don’t think anyone in history understood worship more than Mary of Bethany.  She understood Jesus.  She saw Him for who He was and she loved Him for it.  When Martha asked Jesus to tell her sister to help her, much to her surprise, Jesus spoke up on Mary’s behalf.  He even praised Mary by saying, “Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”  He also said, “She hath wrought a good work on me.  She hath done what she could.  Verily I say unto you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached through the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.”  Mary never preached the gospel.  She never built a church or did anything that you and I would normally consider spectacular.  She was simply a woman who loved Jesus and wasn't ashamed to show it.  Yet, Jesus commended her and said, “she hath wrought a good work on me” and her works are told even today.  Mary understood Jesus and as the time of the crucifixion approached, she sensed His anguish.  She took the best that she had and unknowingly anointed Him for burial.  Her act was spontaneous, unforced and sprang forth from the depths of her heart.  She was compelled to show her love to Jesus.  Luke 7:36-50 (KJV) is such a wonderful example of worship.  She did not care what anyone else thought of her.  She did her best to show the gratitude in her heart.  She washed His feet with tears, she kissed His feet and anointed them with precious ointment.  Tears come only from deep emotion.  She was aware that Jesus loved her and that He could lift her out of despair…and He did not fail her. 

Her actions lasted for eternity.  Her worship has inspired the world.  She did not go to Jesus with the attitude of “What can He do for me?” she went with the attitude of “What can I do for Him?”  What you and I may view as extravagant behavior was not extravagant to Mary.  She simply wanted to show the true feelings in her heart to the highest degree.  In those moments, being female, Mary probably felt very insignificant.  She wasn’t deaf so I’m sure she heard the mumblings of the people around her.  She was very humble in spirit as she knelt before the feet of Jesus.  She allowed Him to rule and reign in her life, making Him king of her heart. 

You and I do not have an alabaster box and, if we did, breaking it at the altar wouldn’t be the same as breaking it at His feet.  What we can do, is give Him our hearts.  Do you remember a time when you unashamedly worshipped Him?  When you thanked Him simply for being who He is? When you longed to bless Him?  When your tears flowed freely as you bared your heart and dreams to Him?  A true Lady in Waiting understands the pleasing aroma of worship that flows from her heart…The song of the heart is complete.  Pure worship.

Lots of love,
Amberly

Blood, Guts and Judgment

Scenario:  You walk into a room, in what you think is an incredible outfit or an awesome pair of shoes, and all of the sudden you hear someone say, “What in the world are you wearing?!?” You can feel the blood rush to your face in embarrassment.  It’s the really cute guy that you have been watching out of the corner of your eye for the last three weeks! How MORTIFYING!!!  All of the sudden, you get so angry that you can barely see straight! You lash out with a typical defensive remark, and promptly go and tell your girlfriends that he is the biggest loser!!! (and, of course, get their opinion about your obviously FABULOUS outfit!!)

Ok, so perhaps this is a little over-dramatic, but we’ve all had times when we have been judged or criticized over something.  Plain and simple—it hurts.  We, as women, like to be told that we are the most beautiful, talented, and amazingly perfect beings ever created.  It’s inevitable that one day (or many days) you will wake up and just need someone to say those magic words, “You look so cute today!!!”

So, by now you’re probably thinking that I am going to preach about not judging others, or always having something nice to say, etc. Sorry, not today.  I wanted to leave you a little thought on being willing to be criticized.  CRAZY….yes, I know. 

Last week, in one of my online classes, we were asked to submit an assignment and allow the other students in the class to critique it and give suggestions.  Now, I turned in what I thought to be a pretty decent piece of work.  However, the very first person that commented on my work found some VERY obvious problems and had several suggestions on how to improve it.  I must admit…it made me mad!! I sat there staring at that comment and thought, “What a mean thing to say about me! I wonder what HER assignment looks like?? I bet it’s worse than mine!”   

After letting me have a pity party for approximately 37 seconds, the Lord “smacked” me! (You know what I mean….those gentle thoughts that strike conviction so hard you want to hit your knees and repent!) How could I get angry when the girl was simply doing what was required of her? It was our assignment to critique one another! I know that I’m not perfect, but I don’t exactly like hearing it! I have a really bad habit of not wanting to acknowledge anything bad about myself, which is totally natural.  But is it totally right? No.

My whole point is that we, as Christian young ladies, must be willing to listen and learn.  Correction and punishment are never easy, no matter how old you are, but they are a necessary part of life.  I’m not saying that anyone has the right to pass judgment.  (Don’t misquote me next time you feel the need to criticize someone. LOL!!)  I think our best option would be to find a Godly lady, someone that we trust or admire, and ask her to be watchful over our lives.  And ask her to feel free to approach you if she sees anything ungodly or inappropriate in your life.  It is important to pray about this decision and make sure that you can completely trust the person that you ask to do this. (Your mother may be a good choice, but they usually give their opinion without us having to ask for it!! *wink*)

WARNING: It takes guts to do this! It will probably hurt your pride and sting a little, but it’s a necessary part of our lives.  We must strive to be the holy, young women that God has called us to be, even when it hurts…

Lots of love,

Natalie

Fashion Friday- Interview with Elisha Stanley

We got the chance to catch up with the talented Ms. Elisha Stanley, a wonderful, Apostolic, young woman that is currently pursuing her degree in Fashion Design! She's got some great advice for girls that may be interested in this industry, but are unsure of how to pursue. If you have more questions for Elisha, comment on  this blog and I'm sure she will be glad to respond when she gets a chance! 


Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, Elisha!

• When / why did you decide to go to fashion design school? 

I received my first sewing machine for Christmas at age seven. At age eight one of my aunts gave me a fashion illustration kit for my birthday, and I have sketched out my own ideas for clothes ever since. In my teenage years I learned various needlework skills as well. I also enjoy designing my own fabrics. This is basically how my interest in fashion grew with time!

I decided to go to college for fashion design because I love fashion! I love wearing new things, mix-matching styles and colors, and I collect fabrics. Everything about fashion fascinates me, but it wasn't until I first started college and began buying my own clothes that I noticed it wasn't always easy to find modest clothes. So from that point on I began the preparation I would need to start my own business, which included obtaining fashion and business degrees.

• What's it like being an Apostolic young lady in the fashion industry?

Of course the first thing everyone notices is that I am different from everyone else, but it hasn't been a bad experience at all because people remember you better when you are different. The fashion industry is very accepting of what they refer to as "individuality." The fact that I design my clothing based on my religious beliefs has definitely set me apart and caused people to ask questions about my religious beliefs and my consumer market. 

I have actually had people tell me that they respect me more for the fact that I have not waivered from my beliefs or allowed the fashion world to dictate how I should design my clothes. It's just one of the best feelings in the world to be acknowledged in fashion for being different and actually receiving a stamp of approval for it!

• Are you constantly asked questions about the way you choose to dress? 

Only on rare occasions have anyone just walked up to me and began a conversation about the way I am dressed, unless I am wearing one of my own designs...people just seem to know when I have designed the clothes that I am wearing. 

Most often when I'm asked questions about the way that I dress, it is because someone has heard one of my presentations or seen some of my designs. Everyone who has ever approached me has always been encouraging and sometimes even makes requests for my consideration for new designs.

• Do you have plans for a clothing line specifically with Apostolic young ladies in mind?

The only clothing line that I have in mind is for Apostolic ladies! Right now, there is no fashion designer that is actually designing specifically for Apostolic ladies in the fashion industry, but there are people who have started internet businesses or custom make modest clothing. 

Although I am not yet selling my clothes mass market, I have already named my apparel line: Elisha Dynaye Collections. It really takes so much more effort than people are aware of to start a clothing line, not to mention the finances. But all things are possible with God, so I just keep praying and working hard!

Most of the designs that I work on right now are for career or churchwear. I have other designs that would also be great for conferences and banquets. Lately, I have begun to design some casualwear per request of Apostolic ladies who like outdoor activities. I am also working on research for a maternity line as well. This winter I will be interviewing and surveying Apostolic ladies to test their interest in my designs and find out if I am designing clothes that they would like to wear.

• What is your favorite clothing item or accessory?

I have a definite shoe addiction...especially high heels and boots!!! I also love fru-fru designs: ribbons, bows, ruffles, silky fabrics...for that very reason my favorite designers are Valentino and Marchesa!

This past year I have really grown to love two things in particular: scarves and about anything made of sherpa suede fabric, but I also would not hesitate to wear camouflage either!

• What wisdom/advice would you give to the young ladies reading this interview? 

Do not be afraid to always put God first in your life...let everything you do glorify Him!!! When God is first and you seek to honor Him, He opens doors that you did not even dream existed!!! When God lays a calling on your heart, He equips you to fulfill that calling...you are not alone!

I have seen God make a way for me to go to church even when I worked in retail because my managers knew that I was serious about not missing church. God has also given me favor at all three universities where I've earned my degrees...the college deans and professors have been very supportive of my work and vision. In fact, in regards to explaining how my religious beliefs influence my future goals one of my deans approached me and said, " Never be ashamed to tell anyone what you believe just because you are scared what they may think!"

God has proven to me everyday that He walks before me and makes a way...all I have to do is trust Him and keep Him first in my life!!!

True Hospitality

Natalie was at my house last night.  We were working on headbands.  After she had been there for about an hour, she asked if I minded if she got something to drink.  Of course I didn't mind and told her I was sorry for not asking sooner.  #Hostessfailure!  She just laughed and said she had been to my house so many times that it didn't really matter.  It got me thinking though...how hospitable are we in God's house?  How many times do people come into our church services and leave wondering if we even noticed they were there?  Even more importantly, how hospitable are we outside of God's house.  Do we show the love of Jesus everywhere we go?  No one can deny that Jesus instructed us to love and serve others.  In fact, He showed us by example when He ate with sinners and washed the feet of His disciples.  I understand that many of you don't have your own home and still attend school.  Some of you may not even have your driver's license yet.  However, there are still many ways you can serve others and show a spirit of hospitality. 

One way is simply to be available when people need you and be sensitive to God's leading.  In We Didn't Know They Were Angels, Doris Greig said "Being available is not only listening to what your friend is saying, but listening to what she isn't saying also."  Be available to listen and be sensitive when God tells you what your friend is trying to say and can't. 

Also, be generous with what you have.  Luke 12:48 (NIV) says “…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”  Ladies, we have been given so much.  Some of us may not be blessed financially, others may have struggles in other areas of life, but we have all been blessed with the knowledge of who Jesus is and in having a relationship with Him.  No matter who you are, you can show Christ’s love to the people around you through your words and actions. Jesus also told us to give with no thought of being repaid for our kindness.  In Luke 14:12-14 (NIV) He said:  "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.  But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind and you will be blessed.  Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Finally, we can strive to show a Christ-like attitude.  Sometimes its easier said than done, but we should all try to always be polite to the people around us.  In Colossians 3:12-14 (The Message) Paul said:  "...chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.  Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense.  Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.  And regardless of what else you put on, wear love.  It's your basic, all-purpose garment.  Never be without it."  When we have the attitude Paul described, we will be careful not to crush each other's spirits with our words.  Rather, we will lift each other up with words of encouragement.  "A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.  Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."  Proverbs 16:23-24 (NIV).

XOXO,
Amberly          

Hair Care Tips!

Here are a few hair care tips to get you through the fall/winter. 

Hair Care Tips:

1.  Comb out tangles beginning with the ends of your hair and working toward the roots.  If you begin with the roots, you will end up with one huge knot at the end that will be almost impossible to get out.

2.  For volume, flip your head over while blow-drying your hair.  Drying the hair in that position gives it more volume.

3.  If you have curly/permed hair, shampoo every 2-3 days.  Daily washing depletes natural oils and also promotes damage because you are more likely to be using dryers and/or straighteners on a daily basis.

4.  Always use a conditioner after shampooing.  If you have fine, straight hair, apply conditioner only to the ends.  Leave the roots alone because using conditioner there will weigh your hair down.  For deep conditioning, coat hair with a conditioner prior to washing.  Wrap your hair in a warm towel and leave the conditioner in for up to 1 hour.  Then, wash and condition as normal. 

If you don’t have an hour, wash your hair as soon as you get in the shower.  Apply your conditioner then bathe, shave your legs, etc. before you rinse the conditioner out.  The steam from the shower will help the conditioner soak into your hair. 

5.  If you have curly hair, it is generally best to use a pick or wide-tooth comb on your hair.  However, for those of you who have straight hair or choose to use a brush, make sure you use a boar-bristle brush.  They are less prone to static buildup than metal, plastic or nylon bristle brushes.

6.  If you have curled your hair and used tons of hairspray, don't try to comb out the curls!!  It will break your hair and cause lots of damage.  Simply take the pins out and wash your hair.  The shampoo will break down the hairspray and the conditioner will help with the tangles. 

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things:

1.  I use Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine shampoo and conditioner.  Before I dry my hair, I put a little Garnier Fructis Anti-Frizz Serum on the ends.  Its amazing stuff!

2.  I use Paul Mitchell spray gel only, because I've been wearing my hair straight lately.  If I want to wear it curly, I use Aussie or Treseme mousse. 

3.  I use Freeze-It aerosol hairspray every day LOL  It has optical brighteners and makes your hair shine.  When I want my hair to have extra "staying power," I also use Aussie Instant Freeze aerosol hairspray.  I do not use it every day because it is extremely drying. 

4.  For curling, I use hot rollers with wax cores.  Mine are made by Remington and came from Wal-Mart.  I also occasionally use a curling iron.  I personally do not like hot sticks as they make my hair frizzy, but you use whatever curls your hair the best!

5.  I have a neat gadget called a neck mirror.  I purchased it at Sally’s Beauty Supply for about $15.  It is a mirror with an attachment that loops around your neck.  It enables you to use both hands to fix your hair, while being able to view the back of your hair at the same time.

6.  I purchase all of my hairpins from Sally’s Beauty Supply.  I have found that you can get the greatest quantity for the least amount of money there.

Happy Monday everyone!

Amberly

P.S. - the drawing for the headband will take place this afternoon.  We will let you know who the winner is!!!